Please use this information for your stories, blogs, wall postings, tweets. By locating the information on one webpage we hope that you will have enough information to compose your story about our annual fundraiser featuring Rita Moreno. Please feel free to contact Abdur–Rahim Muhammad at htcmrahim@aol.com.

"An Unforgettable Evening with Rita Moreno"
Time: 18 September 2010, 7:30-10pm
Place: Historic Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC
Tickets Available through TicketMaster at $27.50 each, or through our school 202-265-1670 at $25.

The Historic Lincoln Theatre (1215 U Street NW) is just down the street from Hung Tao Choy Mei. It's a magnificent space, seating 1225 people, beneath ornate plaster work. The Leadership Institute regularly produces events at the theatre. The theatre is run by an independent nonprofit and has received city funding.

In the past, the Lincoln Theatre provided a venue for performers such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn.
 
 
 
Paul Robeson "Here I Stand Award"
This is the award we will be giving to Ms. Rita Moreno. It's given to performers whom we call artist activists, or rather, people who have excelled in their artistic endeavors, and then, give back to the community. We think it's a worthy act, and so HTCMLI designed and had forged an award which we give away each year.
 
  
 
 
Principals
Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno stands alone with just a few other artists in having won numerous awards cutting across music and acting, as well as garnering Presidential awards. She has also given back to the community by trying to reach and teach people healthy living and to be aware of diabetes symptoms. Her story of moving from Puerto Rico to New York City and excelling at her art, we hope, will inspire others to persevere and give back to the community.
 
 

Jennice Fuentes
Jennice should not be a stranger to you. She can be seen on PBS, critiquing films. She's an actress. Maybe you've heard her voice, hosting in Kojo's absence, on the the "Kojo Nmandi Show". Like Rita she's from Puerto Rico. She's no stranger to talking on her feet, and we very excited to have her interviewing Ms. Moreno.
 
 
 
 
Omari Daniels
Omari, a long time student at Hung Tao Choy Mei, teaches classes, assists with summer programs while attending George Washington University on a full scholarship. Omari joined the school when he was nine years old. We always look forward to putting him front of an audience and witnessing new depth and presence. He does a great job as Master of Ceremonies, so we keep asking him each year. What's he going to say, no?
 
 

Performers
Hung Tao Choy Mei Lucky Lions and Thunder Drums   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our performers for drumming, Chinese lion and dragon dance span many years, some of them starting at 5 years old and, going up to well, adult years. Some of our students are just starting while others have traveled with us to China to compete in Kung Fu competitions. We aim to put the kids on the spot, to challenge them, to teach them that their reach is further than their grasp. We use ourselves, and each other as examples. We teach Kung Fu in the traditional sense, we make it a way of life rather than just a way of fighting. That means taking care of each other, teaching each other and helping each other. Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute puts community back in martial arts.
 
 
Clavekazi
ClaveKazi, a DC based Latin Dance Company, founded in October 2001 teaches classes, workshops and presents performance teams. We are pleased to have ClaveKazi present their spectacular routines this September 18 to showcase the art of dance in DC.
 
 
Dance Asia Alliance
Dance Asia Alliance graces our performances every year. Wui Ping is the dance troupe leader. We're always excited what she has in store for us, bringing her vast knowledge of dance to the stage is always a treat. The troupe has a few new performers in it each year but the essence is always the same, Asian dance.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Furia Flamenco
Maybe you've seen Furia Flamenca at Dupont Circle during the fall dance festival, or caught them at National Geographic, or maybe at their own show. If you haven't seen them perform then you are missing the solo guitar, the staccato beat of shoes, and the pounding of your pulse as you heart is drawn into passionate dance. They're really a sight and sound to see and hear and we're pleased they're joining us for our fundraiser.
 
 
 
Dance Institute of Washington
Founded by Fabian Barnes in 1987, The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) is very similar to HTCMLI in being committed to the education of children. DIW emphasizes social, emotional, intellectual, and artistic discipline. And they deliver. It's an honor to have them perform with us again this year.
 
 
 
Ms. Olivia Zhang: US Chinese Wu Shu Institute

Ms. Zhang is an accomplished martial artist under the tutelage of her father, a famous Wushu and Tai Chi Master. The Institute is always kind enough to come to Fiesta Asia and perform. Ms. Zhang does an impressive straight sword form with grace and power. She makes it look easy, which it is not. She always puts forward a delightful, but serious performance.
 
 
 
 
Zezeh Brazil Samba Dance Studio
Zezeh Brazil is a dance troupe founded by Zezeh Zax, a Washington, DC based dancer, teacher, and professional performer of Brazilian samba. Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Zezeh Zax is a former Carnival Queen of the Unidos do Peruche samba school. She has danced professionally for over 15 years in a number of countries, appearing on Brazilian television shows and performing in a variety of venues in the United States. The color and pomp of her performing troupe will be an exciting part of the show. Thanks for joining us Zezeh.